AC Milan will be hoping that they can find the form which catapulted them into the top half of the table before the winter break, when they play basement boys, Siena at San Siro this weekend.

The only main midfielder missing for the hosts is Nigel de Jong, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season. There is no Alexandre Pato either, has completed his move to Corinthians.

Marco Amelia could be preferred to Christian Abbiati in goal, while Mattia De Sciglio continues at right-back instead of Ignazio Abate. Philippe Mexes is suspended, with Francesco Acerbi likely to deputise.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was at the centre of the racist chants hurled by Pro Patria supporters in Thursday's friendly, in the whole.

AC Milan had won four of their last five matches in Serie A, including victory against the reigning champions Juventus, but slumped to a 4-2 defeat to Roma last time around.

Stephan El Shaarawy has had 59 shots this season and is the leading marksman in Serie A, while Kevin-Prince Boateng has had 56 attempts at goal this term, but has only been able to find the net once.

The Rossoneri have been insurmountable of late when facing Siena, and will be aiming to extend their winning run over the Bianconeri to eight games.

Siena have only ever beaten Milan once, back in 2005. A goal from Enrico Chiesa helped them on their way to a 2-1 win that day. But they have never recorded victory against them since then, or at San Siro.

The Tuscans have lost their last four league matches and their winless run could be extended to six games if they fail to grab victory here.

Siena are bottom of the table in Serie A having only managed 11 points from 18 games this year, yet, Gianluca Pegolo, (pictured, right) has more clean sheets (8) than Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon (7) in the league.

Players to watch

Undoubtedly the Rossoneri's star player of the season. Less than a year ago, he was kicking his heels desperate to play and impress the coach. Financial difficulties soon afforded him that opportunity and he has snatched it with both hands. The 20-year-old has lit-up Serie A with some mesmerising displays, wonderful solo efforts and typical poachers' goals. He is the leading goalscorer in Serie A and few would bet against him adding to his tally here.

Has been Siena's most consistent player this season and has had eight clean sheets in 18 games whilst he failed to concede in the whole of November. He may feel aggrieved to be in the bottom of the table side having had more shut outs in the league than Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon but nevertheless will be crucial to the visitors' efforts against the Rossoneri on Sunday.

Editor's Prediction

The Rossoneri had a slight hiccup against Roma, but were firing on all cylinders beforehand, having put together a run of four straight victories whilst scoring 12 goals in the process. With the winter break now over and Serie A action resuming, it is difficult to see past a home win here with Massimiliano Allegri's side looking to continue their fine form before the shutdown.